Atrevida Science Inc. Awarded Grant from the National Science Foundation for Wind Turbine Technology
NSF SBIR/STTR Program Provides Seed Funding for R&D
Let the Wind Do Its Job — The Atrevida mission
Amherst, NY, 03/16/2023 — Atrevida Science Inc. has been awarded a National Science Foundation (NSF) Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) grant for $256,000 to conduct research and development (R&D) to create a software model that uses highly accurate algorithms to mimic actual blade and wind conditions. This advanced model supports the design and control of a 21st century wind turbine blade configuration for offshore wind systems. The outcome supports greater clean energy wind capture and power production. This efficiency impact is made possible with controls that reduce loads, mitigate vibration, and improve stability for wind energy systems.
At the core of Atrevida’s software technology is a turbine blade design that twists along it’s length, a concept known as an actuated twist angle distribution (TAD). Continually adjusting the TAD position to match real-time wind conditions maximizes production, reduces loads, and provides both aeroelastic and system stability. The technical result of the proposed work is the creation of a model, or “digital twin”, that enables effective design and robust control of highly sophisticated blades with adaptive TAD. In other words, Atrevida Advisor Tim Stephens says “You use the digital twin to build positive interactions with customers, so your TAD creates value for them.”
“This NSF STTR grant supports commercializing our adaptive blade technology solutions.” said Edward Tierney, chief strategist for Atrevida Science Inc. Dr. John Hall, chief science advisor added “By examining a broader range of wind speed and performance criteria using a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model, Atrevida can explore the dynamic response to an impulse that is applied to the rotor. This proposed work will produce a greater amount of data than what was acquired with previous experimental testing.”
Chief Executive Officer and Founder, Claudia Maldonado further points out that “the technology proposed makes large turbines better at capturing wind in more locations.” This meaningful outcome can protect against volatile energy prices, generate jobs, and promote greater participation in the global energy transition for developed and developing countries alike.
Atrevida encourages you to stay tuned for more detailed information about this project including the publicly released abstract for Atrevida’s NSF award for “Adaptable Blade Design Tool for Expanded Wind Energy Deployment and Production” coming soon! Contact the project manager for this award, Dr. Hailie Suk, at hailiesu@atrevidascience.com for more information.
To learn more about America’s Seed Fund powered by NSF, visit: https://seedfund.nsf.gov/
